Below are my first few attempts at pattern-making. Amongst the many challenges that I’ve encountered is the sheer weight of the backgrounds. An old instructor of mine once said that a portrait should “caress, not fondle” the eye. Any suggestions on ways to “lighten” the backgrounds? I’ve tries cutting portions of it away but it then begins to look like a halo, of sorts.

-- Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning. -Albert Einstein